Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-05-03
ABRAHAM LlNCol'I IN 1854.
a New Actor on the Political Fi-Id-On
the stump In Illinois.

But now new actor came forward on
the political stage in central Illinois. or
rather, an old tavoTite rrappeared. This
was Abraham Lincoln Since his return
to Springfield from his single term of SER
vice to congress, lSi1 to lS49. though hy
no means entirely withdrawn from poli-
tics, his active work had been greatly
diminished. His congressional life had
largely increased the horizon Of his ohSer-
Walton. Perhaps il had also extended the
bounds Of his ambition. He had doubtless
discovered many of his own defects, and
not unlikely had diligently sought to
remedy them The period following had
Tor him been wears of work study and re-
nectlon. His profession of law had be-
come deeper science and IA higher re
spon>lhlliN. His practice receiving his
undivided attention, brought him more
important and more rrnumrratiNt. cases
Losing nothing of his genial humor. his
Character took on the dignity of a graver
manhood. He was still in the center and
the IDOL of every social group he eucuun-
tered. whether ON the street or in the par
ior. Serene and buuyant uf temper. cor
dial and winning of language, charitable
ana tolerant of opinion. his very presence
diffused glow of confidence and kind
hess. Wherever ne went he left an ever
widening ripple If smiles, tests and laugh
ter. His radiant good fellowship was he
loved and sought alike 10y political OF.
ponents and partisan friends His sturdy
ana delicate integrity, recognized far and
wide, had long since Won him the hlIuf. /
hearty sohriquet Of Honest old Abe - .
But 1t became noticeable that of late wears
he was less among the crowd and more in
the solitude of his Office or his study. and .
that he seemed ever in haste Ia leave the
eager circle he WAS entertaining.
III was IN the midsummer of 1854 thai
We ilnd HIM reappearing on the stump in
central Illinois. The rural population
always welcomed his oratnry. made lIp of
ready wit, apt illustration. simple state
ment, forcihle logic. His dictiun was
familiar 10 the ear. his stories were racv
Of the soil lie never lacked for invita-
ions TO address the public. His first
speeches on the new and all absorbing tonic
We're made in the neighbnring town and in
he counties adjoining his own, Toward the
md OF August the candidates for congress
II that district We're, in western phrase
'on the track" Yates. afterwarl one of
he famous war governors. sought re
lection as a Whig. Harris a. a Douglas
democrat, strove To supplant him. Local
'olitics became active. and Lincoln was
ent for in all directions 10 address the
'eople. When he went. however. he
distinctly announced that he did not pur-
'ose To take up his time with this personal I
md congressional controversy. His in I
ention was TO discuss the principles of the ;
bill. l
Once launched upon this theme men :
we're surprised To find him imhued with a
ew and unwunted seriousness They q
ea d from his lips fewer anecdotes and :
more history. Careless listeners who
anne to laugh at his jokes sat spellbound
y the strong current of his reasoning I
nd the flashes of his earnest eluuuence, a
nd were lifted up by the range and tenor a
his argument into freSher and purer Il
olitical stmosphere.-The Century. c